Fentanyl overdoses on the rise in Lake County

According to a press release issued Tuesday by the Polson Police Department, there appears to be a spike in what is believed to be fentanyl-related overdoses in 10 counties around the state, including Lake County.

The unusual number of opioid-related overdoses occurring in a short time span include at least 24 opioid overdoses since Jan. 11 with at least five fatalities. According to the release, many of the victims reported taking fentanyl prior to their overdose.

The press release urges first responders and emergency services personnel to make sure they have ample doses of naloxone on hand “as we don’t know if this uptick in opioid-related overdoses will continue.”

Fentanyl, a synthetic and short-acting opioid analgesic that’s 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, is approved for managing acute or chronic pain associated with advanced cancer.

Non-pharmaceutical fentanyl (NPF) is sold via illicit drug markets for its heroin-like effect and is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product – with or without the user’s knowledge – to increase its euphoric effects. The dosage on NPF pills is not regulated, so the user can never be sure of the amount of fentanyl they are ingesting.

While fentanyl overdoses can be reversed with naloxone, a higher dose or multiple number of doses per overdose event may be required to revive a patient due to the high potency of NPF.

Illicit non -pharmaceutical fentanyl comes in numerous forms, including pills and powder. The most common form available in Montana currently is a blue pill with M 30 pressed into it.

Over the course of the last several months law enforcement agencies across the state have also seized “rainbow fentanyl,” which also has an M 30 pressed into it but is available in numerous colors.

Public urged to take precautions

The press release urges the public to avoid any pill or prescription drug that has not been prescribed. Since fentanyl is absorbed through the skin, handling it can be harmful. “If you find pills or substances that you are unsure of do not touch them without the appropriate personal protective equipment,” says the release.

Some signs that may indicate an overdose:

• Small constricted “pinpoint pupils”

• Falling asleep or loss of consciousness

• Slow, shallow breathing

• Choking or gurgling sounds

• Limp body

• Pale, blue, or cold skin Drug overdose is a medical emergency.

Those who believe they have ingested this drug or suspect someone is suffering from an overdose should contact 9-1-1 immediately.